Top 50 Best Things to Do in New Zealand
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in New Zealand

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tourstop_1
    󰺂9.4
    54.93
    Matamata
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Unique New Zealand hills & lakes
    Sample Ginger Beer at the Green Dragon Inn
    󱨠Saved by 1122 users󱨠545 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The explanation was very humorous, but the speed of speech was very fast, which was a bit hard to adapt to. It was a pity that I didn't download the APP, which had Chinese explanations, which might sound more three-dimensional. When we left, each person was given a cup. The cafe in the restaurant was quite delicious.

  • Skyline Queenstowntop_2
    󰺂9.4
    Queenstown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱤎Skyline Gondola: A Night View Like a Painting
    Thrilling activities with scenic views
    󱨠Saved by 668 users󱨠459 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    XUANNERXUANNER

    The skyline in Queenstown is similar to other cities in New Zealand, and Luge is worth a try. However, buying multiple tickets may be worth it, but it may be a waste if you get tired of playing. My friend just finds queuing and taking the cable car very tried, although she bought six tickets but only played twice.

  • RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruisetop_3
    󰺂9.2
    51.89
    Queenstown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu
    󰋄Captain's view from lookout tower
    󱨠Saved by 309 users󱨠312 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M32***46M32***46

    It's definitely worth a visit. You can tour the boats, where there's piano music playing, and the beautiful lake views are very enjoyable. The farm is also very beautiful, and the guides are very patient, providing plenty of feed for the animals. However, it seems one lamb was scratched during the sheep shearing demonstration, which made the laughter a little less funny. The afternoon tea snacks were delicious. I didn't think the barbecue buffet was necessary, as you can eat quite a lot at afternoon tea, and the time allotted for the barbecue buffet was a bit limited, making it difficult to finish quickly and find a good spot for the sheep shearing demonstration. Overall, it's a very worthwhile experience!

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    4
    󰺂9.1
    32.41
    Waitomo Caves
    trip best TravelHotspot logoNew Zealand's Underground Galaxy: Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Listen to echoes in Cathedral Cave
    󱓊Hear underground waterfall's unique echo
    󱨠Saved by 537 users󱨠350 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    The experience of the Waitomo Firefly Cave was amazing. As soon as you entered the cave, it was dark and quiet, and only the fireflies above you flickered like stars. Sitting on a boat, glide up and look up at the blue-green spots, as if floating in the galaxy. The whole process was quiet, no explanation, no noise, only the sound of water and light and shadow, making people completely immersed in the dreamy atmosphere. Short but unforgettable.

  • Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
    5
    󰺂8.9
    66.88
    Milford Sound
    Highlights:
    󱓊Panoramic cabin & bow view
    󰋄Waterfalls & wildlife up close
    󱨠Saved by 279 users󱨠154 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    🌞Traum.🌞Traum.

    The boat cruised smoothly. Snacks and drinks were available for purchase in the cabin, and light meals could also be ordered. The sandwiches I bought were quite good, and the brownies were especially delicious! The scenery was beautiful, and the weather was perfect! I saw the fjord waterfalls, which looked different in sunny and rainy weather! I even saw baby sea lions, but unfortunately, I didn't see any dolphins or other animals 555555

  • NZONE Skydive Queenstown
    6
    󰺂8.7
    174.3
    Queenstown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Queenstown views from 15,000 ft
    󱓊One-on-one coaching & guidance
    󱨠Saved by 302 users󱨠57% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    ohohcrohohcr

    5 stars for Ctrip. Skydiving is so much fun! I thought I'd be scared, but after taking off and seeing the snow-capped mountains, I quickly started enjoying it! However, the service was absolutely mediocre! I booked a 13:00 skydive and checked in at the airport before 12:45. After using the restroom, I was still sitting at the airport waiting until 12:55. At around 13:20, I heard everyone with a 13:30 schedule was starting the safety video. I went to the Chinese staff at the check-in desk, and they told me the 13:00 shuttle to the base had already left...excuse me...I just sat there and left?! I originally booked 15,000, but after arriving at the base and changing, I learned I could only jump at 12,000. No one told me that; I didn't even have an oxygen mask, so I figured it out! There was no explanation of the refund process either. I checked with the front desk and Ctrip customer service followed up. No one even asked, "You can only jump at 12,000, are you still going?" They just got on the plane.

  • Whale Watch Kaikoura
    7
    󰺂8.7
    80.11
    Kaikoura
    Highlights:
    󱓊Guided whale & marine biology tour
    󰋄95% chance to see whales
    󱨠Saved by 166 users󱨠74% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Summer Summer SummerSummer Summer Summer

    Super lucky to see 3 whales in the beginning of my trip. What a day!

  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
    8
    󰺂8.7
    20.43
    Waiotapu
    Highlights:
    󰀆Watch "Ladies Hat" geyser erupt
    󰋄Geothermal steam-cooked culinary experience
    󱨠Saved by 421 users󱨠290 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    WendylwwWendylww

    price cheaper than official website, recommended to book through trip. Always amazed by these nature places

  • Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
    9
    󰺂8.5
    Milford Sound
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Boat tour: waterfalls & marine life
    󱨜Boat tour: Bow Falls & marine life
    󱨠Saved by 192 users󱨠167 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Milford Sound is like a magical movie! When you are on a boat, giant waterfalls on both sides of the river crash into the emerald sea from the cliffs, such as Stirling Falls, and the water vapor hits you with rainbows. The steep cliffs are covered with moss, seals lie lazily on the rocks, and the snow-capped peaks in the distance are looming in the clouds. It is even more amazing when it rains and fogs, the mountain peaks are shrouded in mist, the sea is dark blue, as if the whole world is quiet and only the sound of water remains. It is so shocking!

  • Agrodome
    10
    󰺂8.4
    18.01
    Rotorua
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKiwi Farm Life Unleashed: Agrodome Farm Show & Tour in Rotorua
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in New Zealand
    Highlights:
    See sheep & deer up close
    󰋄Sheep shearing & close encounters
    󱨠Saved by 158 users󱨠167 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Compared to the free ranch nearby, the Agrodun admission fee wasn't much different, and there weren't many people. The driver took us for a quick tour on a tractor, speaking quickly and using a mediocre loudspeaker. Fortunately, we saw the various animals on the ranch and got out to feed them, so the experience was okay. I didn't write down the time the sheepdogs were herding the sheep, so I missed it.

Best things to do in New Zealand (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in New Zealand? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, New Zealand offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in New Zealand

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full New Zealand experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

• Matamata | undefined

• : Unique New Zealand hills & lakes,Sample Ginger Beer at the Green Dragon Inn

Skyline Queenstown

• Queenstown | undefined

• : Skyline Gondola: A Night View Like a Painting,Thrilling activities with scenic views

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

• Queenstown | undefined

• : Steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu,Captain's view from lookout tower

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near New Zealand

If you want to explore attractions just outside New Zealand, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of New Zealand, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in New Zealand special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in New Zealand

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in New Zealand

Ready to explore the best of New Zealand? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in New Zealand?
These are all Best Things to Do in New Zealand:Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Skyline Queenstown, RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in New Zealand?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in New Zealand include:Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours:4.7, Skyline Queenstown:4.7, RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise:4.7, Waitomo Glowworm Caves:4.5, Milford Sound Scenic Cruises:4.6
At what locations in New Zealand can Best Things to Do in New Zealand be found?
The Best Things to Do in New Zealand are mainly located in:Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours:Matamata, Skyline Queenstown:Queenstown, RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise:Queenstown, Waitomo Glowworm Caves:Waitomo Caves, Milford Sound Scenic Cruises:Milford Sound
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